My comments on the documentary, "My Flesh and Blood."

Ok, we all have problems, but this group is exceptional. Susan Tom is an interesting character. What moves someone to adopt 12 special needs kids when others have fall apart with one? Children without legs, having mental challanges and terminal illness are her brood of choice. I found the documentary to be immobilizing. All those thoughts on the suffering of mankind are brought back only to retreat bludgeoned to their place of safety. Suffering of this kind can only be understood by its victims. Empathy is only an intellectual enterprise here and yet the heart breaks.

In his life, Joe displayed the reality we must all face. His lashing out and fear are what we will all know. I salute him and know it will be the same for most of us.

Pragmatic and soulful is this adoptive mother. She most certainly has the love of her children. It doesn't matter what others think or feel, only so far as it affects her livelyhood and the level of medical care for her loved ones. Wrapping one's arms around a stranger in such selfish and selfless love is her daily fare. All love given to others is based on selfishness. There is a balance between the giving and the taking.

It's hard to watch but easy on the eyes. It must be seen.